Former Bayern Munich and Liverpool defender Markus Babbel has hailed Harry Kane as the toughest striker to defend against, ahead of Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.
According to Metro UK reporting, former Germany international Markus Babbel has declared Harry Kane a tougher opponent than Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappe. Writing in his column for Kicker, the ex-Bayern Munich and Liverpool defender said, “Which of this trio – Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe – would I not have wanted to defend against as a defender? Clear answer: Kane!”
Babbel praised the England captain for his “incredible game intelligence,” noting that while Kane lacks “exceptional speed or extraordinary physique,” his movement and awareness make him difficult to mark. The 32-year-old forward has scored 107 goals in 111 matches for Bayern since joining from Tottenham in 2023, including 74 Bundesliga goals in 72 appearances.
The Euro ’96 winner added that modern zonal marking systems make defending against Kane even more challenging. “Since the switch to modern zonal marking, nobody really knows how or when to cover him,” he wrote.
Former England star Glenn Hoddle also backed Babbel’s view, telling TNT Sports, “It is not only his goal-scoring abilities, it is what he is, he is a No.10 as well… They have not got the all-round ability that Kane has got.”According to Metro UK reporting, former Germany international Markus Babbel has declared Harry Kane a tougher opponent than Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappe. Writing in his column for Kicker, the ex-Bayern Munich and Liverpool defender said, “Which of this trio – Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe – would I not have wanted to defend against as a defender? Clear answer: Kane!”
Babbel praised the England captain for his “incredible game intelligence,” noting that while Kane lacks “exceptional speed or extraordinary physique,” his movement and awareness make him difficult to mark. The 32-year-old forward has scored 107 goals in 111 matches for Bayern since joining from Tottenham in 2023, including 74 Bundesliga goals in 72 appearances.
The Euro ’96 winner added that modern zonal marking systems make defending against Kane even more challenging. “Since the switch to modern zonal marking, nobody really knows how or when to cover him,” he wrote.
Former England star Glenn Hoddle also backed Babbel’s view, telling TNT Sports, “It is not only his goal-scoring abilities, it is what he is, he is a No.10 as well… They have not got the all-round ability that Kane has got.”